Hadith #7075

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

ضَلالُ العَقْلِ يُبَعِّدُ مِنَ الرَّشادِ ويُفْسِدُ المَعادَ۔

This Hadith can be translated as:

Straying of the intellect distances one from right guidance and corrupts his Hereafter.

Let us first delve into the meanings of some key words in this Hadith. (dalaal) "ضَلالُ" refers to straying or deviation from the right path. (al-'aql) "العَقْلِ" refers to the intellect or rationality. (yuba'idd) "يُبَعِّدُ" means to distance or move away from. (ar-rashaad) "الرَّشادِ" refers to right guidance or the straight path. (yufsidu) "يُفْسِدُ" means to corrupt or spoil. (al-ma'aad) "المَعادَ" refers to the Hereafter or the afterlife.

To understand the enlightening message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of using our intellect and reasoning to seek guidance and make righteous choices.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says: (Quran 3:190-191)

Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding. Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], 'Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

This verse highlights the importance of pondering over the signs of Allah's creation and using our intellect to recognize His purpose and guidance. It is through the proper use of our intellect that we can attain righteousness and stay on the straight path.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that straying from the right path due to the misguidance of our intellect can have severe consequences not only in this world but also in the Hereafter. Our intellect, when not guided by divine knowledge and wisdom, can lead us astray and corrupt our actions, beliefs, and intentions.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) further emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from Him and not relying solely on our intellect in Surah Yunus: (Quran 10:107-108)

And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him. And if He touches you with good - then He is over all things competent. And He is the subjugator over His servants. And He is the Wise, the Acquainted [with all].

This verse reminds us that true guidance and success come from Allah alone. Our intellect, while important, is limited and fallible. It is only through seeking guidance from Allah and following the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) that we can safeguard ourselves from straying and corruption.

The consequences of straying from the right path and corrupting our Hereafter are grave. It can lead to a life of moral decay, spiritual emptiness, and ultimately, eternal punishment in the Hereafter. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us as Muslims to constantly seek knowledge, reflect upon the teachings of the Quran, and seek guidance from the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to ensure that our intellect is aligned with divine wisdom and guidance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us through this Hadith that our intellect should be a means to seek and follow the right path, not a source of deviation. By using our intellect in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can attain true guidance, righteousness, and success in this world and the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to use our intellect in the pursuit of His pleasure and protect us from straying from the right path. Ameen.